HMMWV 4-man Soft Top Slant Back

[Bulldogger]

In follow up to the previous post, if anyone has a good contact at Breton, or another military textile product supplier, I welcome it. I'd like to pass this design on to a more dedicated supplier, if I can't continue production on my own. Likewise if there is a Member here that has welding and heavy-duty sewing capabilities, we can talk.
Bulldogger

 

[Bulldogger]

I'm still writing potential companies to consider taking over soft slant back production but no replies so far. If there is an interested Member I'm happy to discuss as well. Last three production kits are still available in Classifieds.
BDGR

 

[Bulldogger]

Got a firm No from Breton last week about taking over my design. Am not able to ID any others. If anyone knows of another MilSpec canvas company, I'm all ears.
Not sure if or when I will resume production otherwise.
Bulldogger

 

[TOBASH]

Why not contact a local boatyard and boat repair facility. They already do all these things and might be willing to take on the design.

 

[Bulldogger]

Why not contact a local boatyard and boat repair facility. They already do all these things and might be willing to take on the design.

Any shop used to welding light steel and sewing canvas is capable of making these, but I figure there would be more interest from an entity that is already affiliated with our interest sector. I don't want to just order them made and resell them or have to work to convince a shop to try it out and then they lose interest, I want someone to take it over and run with it.
BDGR

 

[Mikemike]

I've posted my three remaining soft slant back kits in the Classifieds for anyone who might be interested in one. At this time I do not have a planned resume date for when, or if, I will be making them again. Sales are slight, and it gets tedious after a while. I could sell them on eBay, but anyone who has sold on eBay knows they are not seller-friendly, so I don't want that risk.
I have made some modest outreach to a military canvas goods vendor, but didn't hear back. In doing this, I'm looking for someone to take over this design, for a small fee or royalty for my investment in the designs and production steps.
My life is going through some changes this year, new wife, new family, new priorities, and sewing canvas is raking pretty low on the list for now. Wifey doesn't mind MVs, so that's good. We plan to get more into the HAM scene as well, so that will be fun and tie into MV somewhat.
Bulldogger

You have anymore of the slant back kits?

 

[ikoinu]

You have anymore of the slant back kits?

I have one of Bulldogger's kits that he made for me on my 998. It's a it's a good piece of equipment. I'm moving to Montana, so have been thinking about going to a 4 man cover for more space. I might be interested in selling it, but that is ONLY if he is no longer producing or selling them (not looking to compete with his sales).

 

[Mikemike]

I have one of Bulldogger's kits that he made for me on my 998. It's a it's a good piece of equipment. I'm moving to Montana, so have been thinking about going to a 4 man cover for more space. I might be interested in selling it, but that is ONLY if he is no longer producing or selling them (not looking to compete with his sales).

I understand about not wanting to compete with him, his a good seller, with a quality product, but I don’t think he sold one sense may of 2020, I also checked all over the web trying to find a ad from him? let me know if you decide to sell, thanks.

 

[Bulldogger]

You have anymore of the slant back kits?

Mikemike, I have moved twice since my last productions, but am finally catching up and mostly unpacked and set up.

I could not find a good manufacturer to sell my designs to, all turned me down. Now that I am caught up, and 'baby' always needs parts money, I plan to resume making kits this month.

ikoinu, you're always welcome to re-sell your property, I won't complain. I'm flattered to say that more than one of my kits has been resold (happily, as far as I've been told). Folks reconfigure their HMMWVs often, and so my kits have been taken off and put back on and so on.

That said, Mikemike, if you have some specific design desires, such as a different color, a center zippered window or other feature, feel free to reach out to me via private message ("Conversation" in the new site's terms) and we can discuss.
If you buy ikoinu's you have my continued product support to the best of my ability. I'll be sure to send the install instructions and drawings I provide at the time of sale, with handy tips and my contact info at the very least.

Bulldogger

 

[Action]

Bulldogger, Did you ever look into making frames like the H1 soft slantback? It looks like these would be easier and cheaper to ship by the way each bow is 2 pieces...

 

[Bulldogger]

Bulldogger, Did you ever look into making frames like the H1 soft slantback? It looks like these would be easier and cheaper to ship by the way each bow is 2 pieces...

View attachment 864013

Thanks Action. The use of strapping is intriguing, as I am not happy with all the welding I have to do for my current design for sure. I'm not sure shipping is truly eased if I copy the H1 design, or come close, as today my tubing all lies flat and gets rolled up in the cover to ship. It is about 5.5' long and 26 pounds now. Not the easiest thing to maneuver, but it comes in under the oversized added cost surcharge. Shipping has sure increased in price though since COVID. I gave an estimate to someone last week and what used to be $60-70 is now $100. I guess a bowed design might be easy to flat pack, so it might be 6 versus half dozen.
I also see the window on H1 soft slant backs is nearly horizontal. My design already has little enough slope and gets dirtier faster than I like.
Still, I am trying to make the frames easier to make, so I'll keep this concept in mind.
Bulldogger

 

[Action]

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